Delays to the school bus service are criticised

The delay surrounding the reopening of school bus services has been criticised.

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore, has welcomed signs of progress on long-delayed school bus routes in Wicklow, following a response from the Minister for Education. 

She said that several routes that had been inactive since the start of the school year are now operational, including services in Blessington, Kilcoole, Brittas Bay, Wicklow town  and Rathdrum. 

But she added: “However, not all services are fully up and running, and families continue to face uncertainty. 

“It’s good to see movement at last but we’re into November, and this pattern of delays year in, year out is simply unacceptable. Families deserve reliable school transport from day one of the school year.” 

According to a reply she received from the minister, six routes are now operating. One is still awaiting a contractor while another has a contractor appointed, but service commencement is pending paperwork. 

Bus Éireann, which operates the transport scheme on behalf of the Department of Education, has cited procurement and resource constraints as contributing factors. 

“Full service delivery and long-term reform of the school transport system (are needed). Families shouldn’t have to wait months for a bus route to be confirmed," Dep Whitmore added.